Kieran McKenna becomes the first Championship boss in 18 YEARS to win LMA’s manager of the year… as Pep Guardiola scoops Premier League’s award

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has been named as the League Managers Association’s manager of the year.

The 38-year-old has been recognised by the association after guiding Ipswich to promotion back to the Premier League after a 22-year absence this season.

It was the club’s second successive promotion under McKenna, who having taken charge at Portman Road in December 2021 has emerged as one of the brightest young managerial talents in the English game.

Such has been his success that he has been mentioned as a potential target for other clubs including Brighton and Chelsea.

The award was announced by the LMA on Tuesday.

McKenna has been recognised after steering Ipswich Town into the Premier League

A post on X read: ‘Congratulations to @IpswichTown manager Kieran McKenna for winning the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy and becoming the LMA Manager of the Year.’

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola was named Premier League Manager of the Year on Tuesday after guiding Manchester City to an unprecedented fourth successive title.

The Spanish coach has previously won the award four times since he joined the club in 2016. With six league titles, he is now the joint second-most successful coach in the history of English football.

‘This award reflects the hard work and excellence of the people at the Club in all departments,’ Guardiola said.

Pep Guardiola was named Premier League Manager of the Year after Man City’s title success

‘I am so proud to be manager of this group of players and work alongside the brilliant coaches and support staff every day.

‘Winning four titles in a row is one of the proudest achievements of my career. 

‘This is the toughest league in the world and our competitors have played some incredible football.’

Guardiola saw off competition from Arsenal‘s Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa‘s Unai Emery, Bournemouth‘s Andoni Iraola and Liverpool‘s Jurgen Klopp.